ITBA celebrates another Phenomenal Year for Irish Breeding and Racing The who’s who of the racing and breeding industry descended on the Heritage Golf & Spa Resort, Killenard, Co. Laois, on Saturday 17th February 2007, for The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association annual national Breeding & Racing Awards Dinner. This Awards ceremony is the Association’s opportunity, as the representative body of the bloodstock industry, to showcase the magnificent achievements of Irish bred horses during the past year. Joe Hernon, Chairman of the ITBA said “ It has been a wonderful year for the Irish Breeding Industry, this evening gives us the opportunity to pay special tribute to the men and women who have helped to maintain our sport at the highest level on the international breeding and racing stage.” The Cheltenham Festival, the pinnacle of the national hunt season, saw 11 Irish bred horses winning, 7 of them trained in Ireland. Once again Ireland claimed the triple crown, the National Hunt Special Achievement Award 2006 was presented to the breeders of the Triple Crown heros, Veronica O’Farrell – Newmill, Brid Murphy – War of Attrition and Denis Macauley – Brave Inca.  Ned Morrissey, breeder of Cheltenham winner Black Jack Ketchum and the ever-consistent Fota Island was awarded the Small Breeder Award 2006.   On the flat it was another fantastic year for the Irish breeding industry.  Flying the flag for the Emerald Isle by winning 8 Group One races between them were Alexandrova bred by Quay Bloodstock, George Washington bred by Lael Stables, Finsceal Beo bred by Rathbarry and the unbeaten Teofilo bred by Jim Bolger, all of which were honoured in their respective categories. Further afield leading turf horse Aragorn won 4 group races in the States in 2006, bred by Ballygallon Stud who were awarded the Older Horse of the Year 2006 Award. Invincible Spirit had a magnificent first season with the quality of his progeny, leading to the Irish National Stud being presented with the Stallion 2006 Award. Ballylinch Stud was recognised for the broodmare Pharmacist, dam of Breeders Cup winner Red Rocks. Overseas breeder of the year was awarded to Lord Derby (collected on his behalf by Luke Lillingston) in recognition of his sensational mare Ouija Board bred by Kildangan Stud’s sire Cape Cross.  Industry Employee was awarded to Tony Coyle in recognition of his dedication to the industry spanning over more than 45 years. The Lifetime Contribution to the Industry went to Sean Collins MRCVS, as an outstanding breeder and founder of the Equine Centre he was an extremely deserving recipient of this special award. The Hall of Fame Inductee was Timmy Hyde. Timmy has excelled as a successful jockey, breeder, and producer of top class horses. He has set an exemplary example to all in the breeding industry and rightly joined the honour roll of the ITBA Hall of Fame.